<i>Disease may spur Francis' migraines By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2002 Houston Chronicle Steve Francis is suffering from Meniere's Disease, <b>a treatable inner-ear condition that could be triggering Francis' migraine episodes</b>, Rockets trainer Keith Jones said Tuesday. Francis, 25, did not want to comment about the finding, but said it was "great news." The condition, which can cause hearing loss, is treatable through medication and diet. Francis had lost 60 percent of his hearing in his right ear. But tests showed he had regained all of his hearing since radically changing his diet to remove salts, fried foods and some seafood. The disease is unlikely to cause the vision problems and headaches. But most of Francis' migraine episodes have been preceded by a clicking noise, potentially caused by Meniere's Disease. Meniere's Disease is one of the well-known "triggers" of migraine attacks. Francis has missed five games this season because of migraine episodes. </i>
I sure hope so, because this Turnover madness act he's been putting on is getting old. Here's to STeve getting better soon.
Mark Berman interviewed Rockets' trainer Keith Jones. Keith said that hopefully this is what gets Francis past his headaches and dizziness. Lets all hope and pray that Steve gets a clean bill of health, and as long as we're asking the Lord for some help lets ask the same for Guy V. Lewis who unfortunately suffered a stroke early this morning, but I've heard is doing well tonight at Methodist hospital.
Didn't Don Nelson mention this after the All-Star game? I remember reading it here after someone posted that. What took so long to get this out? os
This would be GREAT news...I wonder why it was triggered now? Has Steve changed his diet? I heard that my fat is related to my diet, but I keep telling my wife to shut up and pass me the butter and salt. DaDakota
I did a Google search on Meniere’s disease and could not find any mention of migraines as being a symptom of Meniere’s disease. I looked at several web pages. Strange. http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/balance/meniere.cfm The symptoms of the Meniere’s disease are episodic rotational vertigo (attacks of a spinning sensation), hearing loss, tinnitus, (a roaring, buzzing, or ringing sound in the ear), and a sensation of fullness in the affected ear. Vertigo is usually the most troublesome symptom of Meniere’s disease. It is defined as a sensation of movement when no movement is occurring. Vertigo is commonly produced by disorders of the inner ear, but may also occur in central nervous system disorders. The vertigo of Meniere’s disease occurs in attacks of a spinning sensation and is accompanied by disequilibrium (an off- balance sensation), nausea, and sometimes vomiting. The vertigo lasts for 20 minutes to two hours or longer. During attacks, patients are usually unable to perform activities normal to their work or home life. Sleepiness may follow for several hours, and the off-balance sensation may last for days. There may be an intermittent hearing loss early in the disease, especially in the low pitches, but a fixed hearing loss involving tones of all pitches commonly develops in time. Loud sounds may be uncomfortable and appear distorted in the affected ear. The tinnitus and fullness of the ear in Meniere’s disease may come and go with changes in hearing, occur during or just before attacks, or be constant. The symptoms of Meniere’s disease may be only a minor nuisance, or can become disabling, especially if the attacks of vertigo are severe, frequent, and occur without warning. What Treatment Will the Physician Recommend? Diet and Medication A low salt diet and a diuretic (water pill) may reduce the frequency of attacks of Meniere’s disease in some patients. In order to receive the full benefit of the diuretic, it is important that you restrict your intake of salt and take the medication regularly as directed. Anti-vertigo medications, e.g., Antivert® (meclizine generic), or Valium® (diazepam generic), may provide temporary relief. Anti-nausea medication is sometimes prescribed. Anti-vertigo and anti-nausea medications may cause drowsiness. Life Style Avoid caffeine, smoking, and alcohol. Get regular sleep and eat properly. Remain physically active, but avoid excessive fatigue. Stress may aggravate the vertigo and tinnitus of Meniere’s disease. Stress avoidance or counseling may be advised.
K. Jones said earlier they were not Migraines but rather vertigo like symptoms, seems to fit the bill here. DD
Many people believe that Van Gogh had Meniers disease. It would account for his cutting off his own ear, as well as the vertigo-like designs in his artwork. I have a close family member with the condition and he is convinced that this is the case, because the paintings remind him so much of his vertigo attacks.
So why have they been called "migraines" for the past 2 months? I'm not calling Jones a liar but I'm just confused why Francis or someone didn't mention this to the media. I'm still confused. You are right...if they are vertigo like symptoms it seems to fit. os
OS, I think they did not know what they were, and were probably worried stiff. I did notice Steve looked like he felt a lot better tonight...he was skipping at the tipoff. This after practicing on Monday, so maybe they are getting a handle on it. DaDakota
Meniere's is a b****. My stepdad has it. Cut out alcohol and salt and move away from Houston pollution, I hate to say. good luck steve (francis, not stepdad) cbfc
As the article states, Francis had, at one point, lost 60% of his hearing as a result of Meniere's Disease. From what I understand, isn't Meniere's thought to be brought on as a result of immune system dysfunction? The article seems to treat this as 'no big deal', but autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) isn't any normal malaise. It can cause problems with balance, vertigo, and in some cases (like Rush Limbaugh's) complete loss of hearing. I hope there's a solution as simple as a diet or lifestyle change which can put an end to this.... *x34 crosses fingers* x34
The following link mentions headaches as a symptom : http://my.webmd.com/content/asset/miller_keane_20468
Ok, here it says its unlikely to cause headaches .... Now its a well-known trigger?? They need to make up their minds ...and like any disease, different people might react different than others.
I believe earlier articles about the migraines have said that an inner ear problem was causing vertigo which in turn brought on migraines. So I don't think there is any discrepancy here. Meniere's doesn't cause migraines, it causes vertigo. It is a trigger to migraines because of the vertigo it creates (if you were prone to migraines, I think a good dose of vertigo could well trigger it). It seems to me that they've had a name for the ailment for awhile but didn't tell the public until today (why, I don't know). We knew before the all-star game that he had an inner-ear problem.
